Chapter 16
The defense tried to break Claire.
They failed.
Vivian’s lawyer asked why she never escaped.
Claire answered, “I was five when the door locked.”
He asked why she stopped screaming.
She answered, “Because nobody came.”
He asked if Vivian had provided food.
Claire looked at him for a long moment.
“Prisoners are fed too.”
The courtroom went silent.
He changed tactics.
He asked about me.
“Isn’t it true Mr. Hale has paid for your housing, doctors, lawyers, and clothing?”
“Yes.”
“Isn’t it true you are dependent on him?”
Claire glanced at me.
Then back at the lawyer.
“No.”
He smiled.
“No?”
“I am supported by him. There is a difference.”
His smile faded.
“And what is that difference?”
“Dependence is when help becomes another lock.”
She sat straighter.
“Support is when someone leaves the door open.”
The jury heard it.
So did I.
My throat tightened.
After court, Claire found me in the hallway.
“You looked strange.”
“I was proud.”
She blinked.
“Of me?”
“Yes.”
She looked away.
“I don’t know what to do with that.”
“Keep it somewhere until it fits.”
She laughed softly.
Then the courthouse lights flickered.
A guard shouted.
People surged toward the exits.
Marcus grabbed me.
I grabbed Claire.
Smoke alarms screamed.
Not a fire.
A distraction.
Detective Mills shouted from the far stairwell.
May you like
“Vivian!”
She was gone.
